New bar and restaurant opens in former Legends space on Court Avenue

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Larry Smithson has opened The District Bar, Patio and Grill on Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines.(Photo: Special to the Register)

Smithson said The District will be a new hot spot for “food and fun” in downtown Des Moines.

Until he gets the kitchen up and running, Smithson will be serving up free chili dogs and nachos. The permanent menu will include tenderloins, burgers, Philly steak and sausage sandwiches in addition to salads and fries. A large assortment of appetizers, including wings, chicken fingers, nachos and others, will also be available, he said.

The kitchen will be open late to accommodate the area's bar crowd, he said.

The District will have a bar and DJ, who will play pop, classic rock and country music to appeal to all ages, he said. He also plans to expand the existing patio and will add a bar and grill there.

Smithson owns several properties along in the Court Avenue District, some of which he leases. His other current businesses are Big Lar's on East Second Street, and Heroes, which is located next to The District. He also owns Smithson Limousine service in Des Moines. Over the years, he has owned bars called Envy, Papa's Planet, Generations and Big Kahuna in the area.

Legends owner Mark Rogers, who operates a Legends American Grill in Johnston and two in West Des Moines, in addition to Fire Creek Grill in West Des Moines, closed his downtown eatery Nov. 5. Rogers said an offer to buy the restaurant and bar was too good to pass up. Rogers closed the Legends in Pleasant Hill earlier this year.

The District's hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Smithson said he plans to add lunch hours after the holidays.